I'm considering jumping on the Clipper and spending the weekend at the Seattle boat show at the end of January. Has anyone been in previous years and is it worth the trip, or is it all vulgar powerboat bits and pieces? Thought it might be a good opportunity to pick up some kit (foul weather gear etc).

Faster

12-17-2009 11:30 AM

This year, especially, since the February Vancouver boat show has been cancelled I suspect you'll see a lot of people heading south for this one.

The best part of the Seattle Boat show used to be the in-the-water floating broker's show on Lake Union. If that's still on I'd go to that. You get the see all the brokerage boats available, a more realistic display for most of us who will likely never buy a new boat anyway. Anyone know if that part's still on??

With our stronger dollar there may well be deals on gear and accessories at the various booths at the indoor show.

While the Vancouver show hasn't been a "sailboat" show for several years, I think Seattle has always done a better job of that.

blt2ski

12-17-2009 01:29 PM

THere is two parts, one on the water, ie lk union as mentioned. Mostly BIGGER sailboats, and power boats. The indoor is at Qwest field. Smaller PB's, some bigger pbs, few sailboats and LOTS of venders with items for your boat and you. Some have stuff for sale, others such as manufactures will not have stuff for sale. ALA mustang is there with just about every PFD or equal they sell for show. but can get you in touch with a vender that sells the product.

Indoor show will also have some brokers with listed boats, pics etc. Mostly new boats at lake union and in the Qwest auditorium.

DO a day or two depending upon what you are looking for. 6-8 hrs minimum for qwest, 3-5 hrs for lk union depending upon the what and how fast you can look for it you are at shows like this.

In the past, order you tickets online, and you got a free yr subscription to a magazine, I think I have 3-5 yrs worth of sailing world coming to my door, along with a discount. A multiday pass is also availible, with IIRC bus/shuttle service to and from the two venues which are about 3 miles apart.